WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is now the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment.  The subcommittee has jurisdiction over several key agencies, including the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities.  Today, Reed issued the following statement:

"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Environment.

"I will be sitting down with my counterparts on the other side of the aisle as well as Secretary Ken Salazar, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, and others in the administration to hear their views and talk about the challenges we face and how we can work together to get things done for the American people.

"The subcommittee has important jurisdiction over things that Rhode Islanders depend on, like clean air and drinking water funds.

"There is no question that we have difficult budget work ahead.

"I want to make sure we have a responsible budget that continues to advance economic growth and protect the public health and the environment.

"In tough times there is often a temptation by some to try to roll back clean air and clean water laws, or slash spending for things like parks and museums.

"But all of these investments support important parts of our communities and are proven economic generators.  So we can't afford to be short-sighted, particularly if we care about creating green jobs and fostering innovative energy technologies.

"There is going to be a real uphill fight this year over the EPA's budget, and I will vigorously oppose any attempts to dismantle the EPA and weaken its ability to fight air pollution.  This is a critical public health issue, and I remember well the great efforts and leadership of my late colleague, Senator John Chafee, on these matters.

"We must be good stewards of taxpayer dollars and the environment, and I will work with my colleagues to pass a bill that accomplishes those twin goals."